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The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

CTA Publishes First-Ever Buying Plan

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has published its first-ever buying plan, designed to preview purchases of services, equipment and commodities the agency anticipates in the next 18 months.

The Plan is intended to assist potential vendors considering doing business with the CTA, by making the business community aware of upcoming contracting opportunities.

“The goal of this plan is to increase the vendor pool by making it easy and convenient for potential bidders to get a full picture of upcoming contracting opportunities,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. The Plan, he added, will help potential vendors prepare for upcoming bids and help increase opportunities for small businesses—competition that will ensure the CTA receives the best bids for goods and services.

In keeping with the CTA’s efforts to increase transparency of the agency’s operations, the Plan lists expected contracting opportunities for the coming 18 months—many of them covering items related to daily CTA operations, from specialized parts and materials to services like printing. It also includes materials and services related to construction projects like the upcoming Red Line South reconstruction, which is completely rebuilding the Dan Ryan branch of CTA’s busiest rail line in 2013.

The Plan also includes information on how to participate in the CTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Programs, along with other helpful resources for both prospective and current vendors.